Longtime Morton County park director to retire; commission appoints library and park board members

Morton County accepted the retirement notice of Park Director Tim Nielsen at its June 24 meeting and approved several board appointments.

Why it matters: Longstanding county staff turnover affects operations and succession planning. Commissioners said Nielsen’s service (39 years, per his letter) has been substantial and passed a motion accepting his retirement and commending his service.

The commission also handled board appointments: Linda Beckler was appointed to the Morton-Mandan Public Library Board for a three-year term expiring June 30, 2028, after another applicant withdrew. Commissioners reappointed Randy Greiner, Ken Geiger and Jamie Wetsch to three-year terms on the Morton County Park Board (terms expiring 2028). The commission also reappointed Lynn Kinoshitsky to the Morton County Special Assessment Committee for a six-year term expiring 2031.

Commissioners thanked Nielsen and noted his knowledge and institutional memory; the park board had already accepted Nielsen’s retirement before the full commission acted. The commission confirmed appointments by voice or roll-call votes as recorded in meeting minutes.

Next steps: Staff will begin transition planning for park operations and process personnel steps per county human resources procedures; new and reappointed board members will begin their terms and attend future meetings.